A bottom fillable espresso cartridge base and apparatus and method for filling and plugging the bottom of the espresso cartridge base. The espresso cartridge base includes an open bottom and a press in bottom plug. The top of the espresso cartridge may be sealed by a foil lid or the like, or be open and an adhesive attachable lid may be included for attachment by a user. A first method utilizes a hand held multi-function tool including a cartridge holder with a holder lid to capture the espresso cartridge, and a bottom tamper and plug seating arm. A second method utilizes a stationary base residing on a flat surface, a cartridge holder to retain cartridges on the base, and individual tools to fill and tamp brewing material in the cartridge, and to attach the bottom plug to the cartridge.

A heat press device is provided that includes a support structure, a first platen and a heating element assembly that includes a heating element and a second platen. The heat press device further includes a movement assembly configured to change a pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in a closed configuration. The heat press device can also include an indicator that is configured to convey the pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in the closed configuration.

A heat press device is provided that includes a support structure, a first platen and a heating element assembly that includes a heating element and a second platen. The heat press device further includes a movement assembly configured to change a pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in a closed configuration. The heat press device can also include an indicator that is configured to convey the pressure state between the first platen and the second platen when the heat press device is in the closed configuration.

An apparatus includes a press configured to compress at least a portion of a food item to deform the food item and form a flattened food product. The press includes a movable portion and a lift arm pivotally attached to the movable portion, where the lift arm is configured to raise or lower the movable portion. The movable portion includes a punch projecting from the movable portion. The punch is configured, when the movable portion is moved by the lift arm, to reshape the food item such that the flattened food product has at least a flattened central portion.

An apparatus includes a press configured to compress at least a portion of a food item to deform the food item and form a flattened food product. The press includes a movable portion and a lift arm pivotally attached to the movable portion, where the lift arm is configured to raise or lower the movable portion. The movable portion includes a punch projecting from the movable portion. The punch is configured, when the movable portion is moved by the lift arm, to reshape the food item such that the flattened food product has at least a flattened central portion.

A toilet for use on a space vehicle has a toilet bowl having a storage canister at a remote end for receiving human waste. The compactor includes a cable connected to a lever which pulls the cable in a direction forcing the compactor into the storage canister to compact the captured waste when the lever is actuated.

A toilet for use on a space vehicle has a toilet bowl having a storage canister at a remote end for receiving human waste. The compactor includes a cable connected to a lever which pulls the cable in a direction forcing the compactor into the storage canister to compact the captured waste when the lever is actuated.

A welding ground detection system and method are provided. In one embodiment, a switch actuator is interconnected to a grounding device and operatively associated with a switch. The switch is electrically connected to an electrical circuit that is operatively associated with the welding equipment. The switch is normally in an open state in which the switch opens the electrical circuit, thereby preventing welding. Upon connection of the grounding device to a workpiece, the switch actuator actuates the switch to a closed state, thereby permitting welding. In one embodiment, detection of a voltage, a current, a resistance, or an impedance of a ground connection is not required to actuate the switch.

A heat press for decorating substrates includes a support frame, a lower platen assembly supported on the support frame, and a linkage assembly having at least an upper link arm pivotally coupled with the support frame for movement to and between first and second positions. An upper platen assembly is coupled with the support frame by the linkage assembly for movement relative to the lower platen assembly to and between an open condition away from the lower platen assembly, and a closed condition adjacent the lower platen assembly, as the upper link arm is moved to and between the first and second positions. A linear actuator cooperates with the linkage assembly to further move the upper platen assembly in the closed condition in a direction to clamp an upper platen against a lower platen by moving an actuator rod from an extended position toward a retracted position.

A heat press for decorating substrates includes a support frame, a lower platen assembly supported on the support frame, and a linkage assembly having at least an upper link arm pivotally coupled with the support frame for movement to and between first and second positions. An upper platen assembly is coupled with the support frame by the linkage assembly for movement relative to the lower platen assembly to and between an open condition away from the lower platen assembly, and a closed condition adjacent the lower platen assembly, as the upper link arm is moved to and between the first and second positions. A linear actuator cooperates with the linkage assembly to further move the upper platen assembly in the closed condition in a direction to clamp an upper platen against a lower platen by moving an actuator rod from an extended position toward a retracted position.